• β-Glucans from shiitake mushroom reduces IL-1β, IL-6 in in vitro lung injury model. • β-Glucans from same source can differ in immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects. • β-Glucans can reduce oxidative stress and activate macrophages. • β-Glucans may ameliorate cytokine storm that causes ARDS as seen with COVID-19.
Background: A well-functioning general practice sector that has a strong research component is recognised as a key foundation of any modern health system. General practitioners (GPs) are more likely to collaborate in research if they are part of an established research network. The primary aims of this study are to describe Ireland's newest general practice-based research network and to analyse the perspectives of the network's members on research engagement. Method: A survey was sent to all GPs participating in the network in order to document practice characteristics so that this research network's profile could be compared to other national profiles of Irish general practice. In depth interviews were then conducted and analysed thematically to explore the experiences and views of a selection of these GPs on research engagement. Results: All 134 GPs responded to the survey. Practices have similar characteristics to the national profile in terms of location, size, computerisation, type of premises and out of hours arrangements. Twenty-two GPs were interviewed and the resulting data was categorised into subthemes and four related overarching themes: GPs described catalysts for research in their practices, the need for coherence in how research is understood in this context, systems failures, whereby the current health system design is prohibitive of GP participation and aspirations for a better future. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the research network under examination is representative of current trends in Irish general practice. It has elucidated a better understanding of factors that need to be addressed in order to encourage more GPs to engage in the research process.
Background There is a worldwide recruitment and retention crisis in general practice. Workforce planning has identified the need to train more general practitioners as an urgent priority. Exposure of medical students to general practice as part of the formal and hidden curriculum, the use of longitudinal integrated clerkships, and positive experiences and role models in general practice are all thought to be contributing factors to doctors choosing careers in general practice. Aim The aim of this study was to identify career destinations of medical school graduates in a medical school with an 18-week longitudinal integrated clerkship in general practice. Design and setting This study was conducted in a single graduate entry medical school at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Participants Medical school alumni 6–8 years after graduation. Method A survey of graduating cohorts of the medical school from 2011 to 2013 was conducted through email and telephone. Results There were a total of 175 alumni for the period 2011 to 2013. Data was collected on 92% (161/175) through an online survey, follow-up email and telephone interview, and was triangulated with searches of professional registration databases and information from key informants. Between 6 and 8 years after graduation, a total of 43% of alumni were engaged in general practice as a career. Conclusion The reform of the delivery of general practice within medical school curricula should be considered by medical schools, curriculum designers and policy-makers as part of an overall strategy to address the recruitment and retention of general practitioners as part of the global healthcare workforce.
Background Pharmacists are in demand now more than ever to provide highquality expertise about the effectiveness, safety and use of medications. Amidst an increasingly complex and costly healthcare system, policy makers need robust evidence to justify public spending on pharmacy services. Research on the impact of existing and emerging pharmacy practices is required. Objective To explore barriers and opportunities to enhance research among pharmacists in Ireland utilising a World Caf e methodology. Methods A pharmacy research discussion day was held in November 2018, open to all pharmacists in Ireland. A World Caf e methodology was utilised as a mechanism to facilitate group discussions about pharmacy practice research. Results Discussions with 63 attendees identified four themes and seventeen subthemes. The four themes were challenges undertaking research, research motivations, leadership and training. Subthemes included robust evidence, clinical, economic and societal outcomes, alignment with national and international health system priorities, need for incentives from professional training bodies, competitive business model and embed within schools of pharmacy. Conclusions The most commonly discussed barriers inhibiting research were workload, technology limitations and financial considerations. Organisational leadership to prioritise and coordinate research efforts, training to build research capacity, building on existing examples of excellence and initiation of bottom-up community-based research projects were identified in our study as opportunities to enhance pharmacist involvement in research and ultimately patient health outcomes.
Background A well-functioning General Practice sector that has a strong research component is recognised as a key foundation of any modern health system. General practitioners (GPs) are more likely to collaborate in research if they are part of an established research network. The primary aims of this study are to describe Ireland’s newest general practice-based research network and to analyse the perspectives of the network’s members on research engagement. Method A survey was sent to all GPs participating in the network in order to document practice characteristics so that this research network’s profile could be compared to other national profiles of Irish general practice. In depth interviews were then conducted and analysed thematically to explore the experiences and views of a selection of these GPs on research engagement. Results All 134 GPs responded to the survey. Practices have similar characteristics to the national profile in terms of location, size, computerisation, type of premises and out of hours arrangements. Twenty-two GPs were interviewed and the resulting data was categorised into subthemes and four related overarching themes: GPs described catalysts for research in their practices, the need for coherence in how research is understood in this context, systems failures, whereby the current health system design is prohibitive of GP participation and aspirations for a better future. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the research network under examination is representative of current trends in Irish general practice. It has elucidated a better understanding of factors that need to be addressed in order to encourage more GPs to engage in the research process.
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